With the festive period just around the corner, it's time for homeowners to check their home insurance policies to avoid being under-insured as they fill their properties with Christmas goodies.
With theft claims typically leaping over the winter months thanks to the darker nights and the presence of a host of new valuable items in the home, it's vital that homeowners pay close attention to the contents aspect of their policy. Items that are bought between now and December 25 will not be covered on your policy unless you directly contact your insurer to inform them of the increased value in your home.
Keeping your home insurer informed as you buy new items may sound like too much hard work, but there is a way around it. Several home insurers will automatically increase your contents cover by 10-15 per cent over the festive period. Then when the season ends you can properly evaluate your contents and adjust your policy accordingly. Esure home insurance for example, offers an automatic 15 per cent increase from December 1-January 15.
Homeowners should also take steps to reduce the chances of suffering a break-in. Keep presents out of sight rather than under the tree and if you are leaving a property unattended for a period of time make it seem like someone is home by leaving a radio on or using time-switch lights.
Remember to dispose of rubbish with care - empty boxes outside your home only let thieves know what's inside. Ensure blinds and curtains are shut to keep unwanted eyes out and increase home security with a house alarm, security lighting and by ensuring doors and windows are locked.
When evaluating the value of contents for your home insurance, remember it's the replacement value or original price tag that counts - not how much you actually paid. You may also need to take out separate cover for items with high values. You can compare home insurance policies online to ensure you're well covered. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gregory |
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